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Arthur Peake's Commentary on the Bible

Matthew 12:43-50

The connexion of Matthew 12:43 is with Matthew 12:30, as is shown by Lk.; neutrality in the spiritual life cannot last. The point of the illustration is that the Jews had felt the influence of John and Jesus, but were in danger of relapsing into a worse state than ever, if they did not submit themselves entirely to that coming of the Holy Spirit which was the proper continuation of the work begun by the two preachers.

Matthew 12:44. empty: i.e. free from lumber and rubbish; garnished: either furnished or beautified.

Matthew 12:46: cf. Mark 3:31 *· For the brethren of Jesus cf. Matthew 1:25 *. By changing Mk.'s God into my Father which is in heaven, Mt. rather pointedly limits Jesus-' earthly spiritual relation to brothers, sisters, and mothers. Matthew 12:47 is not found in the best texts. Lk. (Luke 8:19) puts the incident after the Parable of the Sower.

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See also Matthew 12:43-50 in other biblical comments:

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  • Annotated Bible by A.C. Gaebelein

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  • Barclay Daily Study Bible (NT)

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  • Cambridge Greek Testament for Schools and Colleges Commentary

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  • Catena Aurea Commentary

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